Jake McKelvie and His Old New Band + Honey and Soul + The Upsides

On A New Kind of Hat, the new long-player from Massachusetts's own Jake McKelvie, indie-rock melodicism slow dances with alt-country ramble. A kind soul that's just a touch world-weary, McKelvie's careful economy of language belies a sly sense of humor set against a backdrop of unadorned instrumentation.

Thematically, the record strikes the perfect balance between serious musing and whimsy. With his band of in-the-pocket players at his side, McKelvie has crafted a record that is equally at home in the listening room as on the dance floor. Eminently engaging and full of nuance, A New Kind of Hat is a record destined for a treasured spot in your collection.

Jake McKelvie has been writing songs and performing them since his teens. With his band The Countertops he's released three full length records and toured relentlessly to support them. His last proper solo effort was 2016's Rhinestone Busboy.

This time around, McKelvie has decided to file the new record in the “solo project” bin. “The Countertops are known for energetic live shows and goofy stage behavior, whereas as a solo act I do more of the folk singer thing” he explains. “This new record floats somewhere in between those two things.”

Written over the years in myriad apartments and tour vans throughout the northeast and beyond, McKelvie turned to Grain Thief's Mike Harmon and his studio Wachusett Recording to track the record. In addition to McKelvie, the record features appearances by Michael Holland on bass, and Countertops drummer Matt Bacon. Keith Dusoe makes a cameo on pedal steel. It was mixed by Harmon and Roger Lavallee.

There's a lot here if you really listen — but you can just as well hum and tap along.

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Honey and Soul is what you get when you take a group of soft tender babes and let them take you from quiet, soothing, lullabies all the way to rock and roll. It’s something like unleashing the feminine power in three part harmony while also laughing with your friends about fart jokes. They keep it real, bring the heart, and love each other through the music. Three parts Burlington, VT, two parts Cambridge, MA, Honey and Soul is an indie/folk/soul quintet with Hannah Hausman (she/her) on vocals and guitar, Cleo Flemming (she/her) on vocals and cello, Lexi Ugilow (she/they) on vocals and keys, Logan Beck (he/him) on bass, and Zack Santarsiero (he/him) on drums.

The group formed in 2017 around Hannah’s original music and has been growing and evolving ever since. In 2023, Honey and Soul released their first full length album, called “Lady King,” a body of work compiled around the question of what it means to be vulnerable and why that might be important. Later that year they released a studio single called, “Pleasure,” a reminder that not only is it ok to experience pleasure, but in fact, it is holy. Honey and Soul has a few songs baking in the oven, and look forward to serving them to you as steaming hot delicious song-pies sometime soon.

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The Upsides are a 4-piece rock act based in New York City, consisting of brothers Matt and Dan Fullam with longtime friends Matt DaSilva and Hart Mechlin. The band creates a distinct blend of "shimmering surf rock" (Our Sound Music) paired with more overdriven guitar work reminiscent of the early aughts rock revival. The result is a sound that is "accessible, unique, and timeless" (Glide Magazine).  Their self-titled debut album was released in May of 2024, supported by a hometown release show at Mercury Lounge. Will Oliver of We All Want Someone to Shout For described "Jump In", the first single off the album, as "channeling elements of classic New York City rock with a garage rock sensibility, with 90s jangle pop and rock guitar work that feels like a blend of The Strokes and Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever. It’s impossible to resist its delightful nature and charm."

The album's ten tracks are a succinct yet dynamic collection of tunes that offer everything from the My Bloody Valentine-influenced "We Need More Data" to the wistful and downtempo "No Particular Hours" which opens up to an 80s ballad-esque guitar solo while also channeling modern indie acts like Slow Pulp. Drawing from an array of influences, The Upsides' authentic production style, genuine lyricism, and recently newfound willingness to go for a big hook are the common threads tying together this first full-length offering into a captivating and refreshing listen.

21+

Doors @ 7PM

Show @ 8PM

$10 presale / $15 day of show

ticket required for event, no refunds or exchanges

Ticket presale ends at 10am day of show - additional tickets available at the door, bring cash!